Nestle trying to patent a natural cure

[Jane]

Nigella sativa -- more commonly known as fennel flower -- has been used as a cure-all remedy for over a thousand years. It treats everything from vomiting to fevers to skin diseases, and has been widely available in impoverished communities across the Middle East and Asia.

But now Nestlé is claiming to own it, and filing patent claims around the world to try and take control over the natural cure of the fennel flower and turn it into a costly private drug.

Tell Nestlé: Stop trying to patent a natural cure!

[Elaine de Saxe]

These types of crimes have been perpetrated by rich western companies on the poor for many years now. No one seems able to stop them - the patent offices in various countries should clamp down on it but who knows why they would allow this kind of behaviour. The 'fennel flower' - if that's a photo of it on the petition page - is not Florence Fennel which I was thinking it was - Nigella is sometimes called 'black Sesame'.

[Lissa]

I've signed Jane. Ridiculous stuff.

[Jake]

It's quite scary when Corporations try patenting nature! Where are they gonna stop once they start! 

By the way Black Seed is amazing stuff! I bought several packets at the local Indian Spice/grocery store and after the rain they're starting to pop up :-)

[Jane]

Yes i did wonder about the pic, but even Googling it gives several diffrent variations, I think it is what is commonly called 'Love in the Mist'?

Jake keep us upto date with how your plants go, normally I would expect it to be too hot at this time of year for them to thrive.

[Jake]

Will do Jane, I didn't really know when to plant the seeds but figured it's grown in Egypt so it should handle the heat quite well?

We'll I've thrown the whole packet around my garden and seeing that it's self seeding they should pop up when they're ready hehe ;-)

I've noticed a few blue flowers here and there , such delicate little things, like the heartsease when I spot one it always brightens my day :-)